“Freemasonry: a Not-So-Secret Society” Spanning the history of America and the rest of the world, is an order that has grown from humble beginnings into the world’s oldest and largest fraternal organization. The basis of Freemasonry has expanded from trade discussions of laboring stonemasons into an enormous philanthropic society with roots nearly every corner of the modern world. The Order is built on a solid foundation of three hundred years of tradition and ritual, and today they are one of the leaders in charitable donations, but due to the requisite secrecy, there is still speculation as to the inner workings of Masonry. In its beginnings, the influence of Freemasonry seems minuscule when compared to the reach of the immense society today, …show more content…
Today, Masonic meetings are organized into factions called Lodges, each of these groups pledges allegiance to a Grand Lodge, many of which are scattered across the country. Every individual Lodge may have its own set of bylaws, as well as hand signals or codes to identify mutual members. (HowStuffWorks) There are many titles and specific tasks for members as well, for example, the Worshipful Master is essentially the chief Officer of the Lodge. There are other titles as well, some prudent to mention include: Senior/Junior Warden, Treasurer, Secretary, and Senior/Junior Deacon. Some Lodges may also have an Inner Guard, a Chaplain (to lead prayers), a Director of Ceremonies, an Organist, and again an elected Master. These positions have persisted throughout the years of Masonry, however, some of their functions have changed due to technological or cultural development. For example, a treasurer in the early Lodges would perform an antiquated version of the task performed by today’s modern treasurer. Also, while a prerequisite of becoming a Mason is a belief in a nonspecific higher power, a large number of Lodges have moved away from employing Chaplains or Directors of Ceremonies anymore. There are not only named titles, but a mason’s condition of knowledge is measured by their degree. According to Jack Cork, son of a highest-degree mason, a 1st-degree Mason would be a newly-joined member, …show more content…
One common and extremely expansive appendant body of the Masons is the Grotto. In an interview, the son of a previous Grand Monarch of the Sahara Grotto outlined some of the aspects of the Grotto he experienced secondhand through his childhood and later life, telling of weekly meetings, yearly gatherings, and numerous galas. Robert Atkins, Jack Cork’s stepfather, was the Grand Monarch of the Sahara Grotto, which means he ascended through local and regional ranks to lead on the national level. The traditional dress of a Grand Monarch includes a white and yellow uniform accompanied by a fez of similar color, emblazoned with the letters MOVPER, which represent the true name of the Grotto, Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm (Cork). While the Grand Monarch is honored by a more esteemed uniform, each member--or Prophet--is also given the privilege of wearing the Grotto Fez and Pin. This proud Order consists of master level masons who desire to further the meaning of their Masonic membership by aspiring to ‘do good for others,’ thereby achieving ‘the zenith of attainment’ (SC Grotto). The Grotto, the Scottish Rite, and Shrine, a Masonic order consisting of clowns, are all embodiments of the furthering of Masonic influence, and they all have systems and rites in place born of masonic policy and